The Princess of Wales appeared to send a hidden message with her £240 dress and bespoke designer coat today.
Catherine travelled to Leicester today for her inaugural solo engagement in the city, marking the Hindu festival of Holi with the local British Indian community.
The 44-year-old chose an all-cream ensemble for the occasion, pairing a bespoke coat by Chris Kerr—previously worn at her 2023 Christmas Carol service—with a fresh Ralph Lauren midi dress. The choice of white appeared to contain a hidden message, as it holds particular significance during Holi celebrations.
According to the Times of India, "the colour white is the ultimate symbol of purity, peace, and brotherhood… when you wear white, you are literally and metaphorically putting on a 'clean slate.'"
Princess of Wales sends hidden message with £240 dress and bespoke designer coat
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The visit took place one day after the festival itself.
Her Ralph Lauren pleated wool ribbed-knit midi dress, currently available in limited sizes online, has been reduced from £400 to £240.
The princess accessorised with Sézane "Dina" earrings in blue gold, now priced at £40 down from their original £100, alongside an Emmy London "Natasha" clutch bag in saddle suede costing £395.
Finally, the mother-of-three wore brown suede Gianvito 85 pumps from Gianvito Rossi, which cost £695.
The Princess of Wales visited Leicester on a royal engagement
|RYAN JENKINSON / KENSINGTON PALACE
Upon arriving at her first engagement, Catherine was presented with a necklace fashioned from red roses and pearls.
This floral gift carries particular meaning during Holi, as the festival traditionally incorporates flowers into its celebrations.
Catherine's first stop was the Aakash Odedra Company, where she observed dancers rehearsing Odedra's latest production, "Songs of the Bulbul."
Upon arrival, she remarked: "Thank you so much for having me. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the work. I've heard some fantastic things."
The Princess of Wales was presented with a necklace on her arrival
|PA
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The Princess of Wales wore £695 heels with her outfit
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The princess subsequently explored Leicester's renowned Golden Mile, visiting family-owned businesses including a sari shop. She sampled chai at Bobby's restaurant during her tour of the area.
Her final engagement took her to the Shreeji Dham Haveli Hindu Temple, where she received additional garlands from the community.
Catherine's connection to Leicester stretches back over a decade. She first visited the city in 2012 alongside Queen Elizabeth II, when it served as the opening destination on the late monarch's Diamond Jubilee tour of the United Kingdom.
Six years later, she returned with Prince William under sombre circumstances, paying respects to those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium.
Today's engagement represents a significant milestone for the princess, marking her first independent visit to Leicester without other senior members of the Royal Family accompanying her.